Why Frenkie de Jong has been ruled out of Barcelona’s squad to face Atletico Madrid

Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid later today in a huge La Liga clash but will once again be without midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutch star is a surprise omission from Hansi Flick’s squad list, with the club having now confirmed he is out due to a fever.

De Jong’s absence is a blow for Flick ahead of such an important game and means he will have to make do without the Dutch star yet again. The midfielder missed the win over Athletic Club due to suspension and then sat out the victory over Alaves because of “personal reasons.”

We’ll have to wait and see how Flick lines his team up without De Jong tonight. Pedri is expected to return to the starting XI after injury, while Marc Casado and Marc Bernal will also be hoping for starts.

Flick has also called up 19-year-old prospect Tommy Marques to the squad for the match at Camp Nou.